Recycling of paper waste from plasterboard

Project lead

Jason Hallett

Institute

Imperial College London

Summary:

Plasterboard is made from a layer of gypsum (calcium sulfate) pressed between layers of paper. The paper used in plasterboard is often recycled paper, limiting both the cost of materials and options for recycling. Recycling plasterboard requires the separation and subsequent recovery of both the gypsum and fibres, and conditions for gypsum dissolution (concentrated acid) cause extensive fibre damage. In this project, we will employ an alternative approach, using ionic liquids (liquid salts) as a solvent medium for separating and recovering the gypsum from the fibres. We will assess the recovery rate of gypsum, the clean state of the fibres and suitability of both for re-use in plasterboard or other applications. If successful, this project would provide an avenue to recycle both components of plasterboard, which is not presently available.

This project is ongoing and an update on the outcomes and impact will be published on completion.

Academic partner: Jason Hallett, Imperial College London

Industrial partner: Mark Christensen, Reliagen Holdings Ltd